Just in case you have no idea where to start, here are tips for kickstarting your plans!
For first-timers to Tunisia, read through the info below so you can make the most adequate preparations for your trip!
PHOTO Wendy HungYou may be thinking about going to Tunisia, and maybe you’ve already booked your flight. But once you get there, how are you supposed to get around? Are there taxis everywhere in Tunis? How do you get from the capital to marketing shopping in Sousse or sunbathing on the beach in Hammamet?
Like most developing countries, we highly recommend hiring a driver for the duration of your Tunisian trip. It’s inexpensive and will get rid of lots of unnecessary delays while you can juggle a flexible schedule with your driver. If you would like to hire a driver through a travel agent, here are some travel agency suggestions: Kensington Tours, Open Tunisia, Tunisia Travel & Tours, and Tunisia Tours.
GETTING IN TUNISIA:
FLYING:
PHOTO Wendy HungYou’ll most likely be flying in and out from Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) near Tunis. There are domestic flights to Tozeur from here.
* Some sources will say that certain Wi-Fi connections will work at the airport, we’ve tried, they don’t or will search forever. We suggest you wait until you meet your guide or until you reach the hotel for Wi-Fi connection. If not, it’s a frustrating task trying to connect at the airport. Just don’t expect it.
The other airport: Habib Bourguiba, Skanes-Monastir (MIR) is located 2h30m south of Tunis. Monastir airport is for cheaper airlines (Jet2.com, Thomas Cook) that connect to most European cities.
Also, the Enfidha Hammamet Airport (NBE) has been replacing Monastir airport, it’s located 1h15m south of Tunis.
Tozeur and Djerba are two cities with international airports as well.
FYI! When you exit the airport approaching the parking lot, you’ll encounter a few men offering to help with your luggage. They’re expecting a tip, unless you have a dollar to spare, then don’t hand over your luggage.
PHOTO Wendy HungLOUNGE! Sleeping in Airports sells a Priority Pass Membership that allows you to wait at Salon VIP Departures Lounge at Tunis Airport even of you are an economy class traveler. Check here for benefits and purchase info.
BOATING:
There are ferry services between Malta and Tunis, which may leave from La Goulette port. Tunis also connects to other cities by boat:
- Genoa, Italy
- Naples, Italy
- Marseille, France
- Palermo (Sicily,) Italy
- Trapani, Italy
Other cities with ports include: Gabes, Sousse, Sfax, Rades and Zarzis.
GETTING AROUND TUNISIA:
FLYING:
If you’re looking to fly between Tunis and other cities such as: Djerba, Gabes or Tozeur, check out TunisAirExpress website which is only in French, but use Destinia.com for English.
DRIVING:
PHOTO Wendy HungPRIVATE DRIVER: Because driving in developing countries can be the highest cause of death, we encourage you to hire a driver or use public transportation. To hire a driver without going through your travel agent ahead of time means, you should ask your hotel concierge after you’ve arrived. Due to lower tourism demand, there will be plenty of drivers around. For an accurate quote, you need to specify an itinerary ahead of time and note whether the price includes gasoline or not.
CAR RENTAL: There are rental cars available at the airport which is likely to overcharge compared to renting in the city or anywhere besides the airport. After you check into your hotel, ask the reception for where to rent a car.
NOTE: Companies do not offer insurance to foreigners in Tunis. Since you NEED car insurance in case of emergencies, check your credit card company if that’s available or get a travel insurance ahead of time in your home country prior to the trip.
TAXI:
PHOTO Wendy HungFrom the airport to city center in Tunis is approximately 15 TND (USD $7.)
You can opt for taxis when it comes to long-distance travel, but make sure to agree on the fare before getting in the car. From Tunis to Hammamet (65 kilometers) is approximately USD $45.
TRAIN:
Taking the train is an available option but don’t expect the Japanese Shikansen in Tunisia. SNCFT is the national train company that stretches between Tunis, Sousse, Sfax and Monastir. The trains are quite modern and comfortable, but if you’re used to trains from Paris to Amsterdam, these are not quite up to that par. Then again, Tunisia is a developing country, so if you like to travel in style, then please hire a private chauffeur.
There are 3 different classes: Grand confort, 1st and 2nd. Prices from Tunis to Sousses are (in class order): 12/10/6 dinars (USD $5.6/$4.7/$2.8).
Locals will not follow their own ticket numbers, so make sure you grab seats. Most will begin their trips in the 1st class cabin, but move away when the ticket officer comes around to check tickets.
LOUAGE:
Louage, means “renting” in English. It’s long-distance shared taxis that even locals use to travel between cities without trains or buses. Drivers will wait at louage stations which are typically located near a train station in a city. When they see approximately 7-8 people at the station, they’ll take off to everyone’s desired destinations. For 120 kilometers, you can pay as cheap as 7 dinars (USD $3.30).
These white-colored shared taxis are recommended only if you’re a budget traveler, or REALLY want to experience the local culture since louage is typically used by women and most busy in the mornings. They’re not as comfortable during summertime because it gets extremely hot inside the cars.
